UPDATE – Script has been updated due to release of FrameHawk graphic delivery mode with feature pack 2 and the enhancements to compatibility mode with feature pack 3.
Some time ago I wrote an article covering the “HDX encoding methods” or HDX graphics modes in XenDesktop 7, a topic which has recently been expanded on in another great article found here which really delves into policy settings and additional recommendations and I recommend them both as background reading to this post. In fact I will not be covering any of the details surrounding the graphics modes here as I am assuming you have read the articles above or the relevant section in the Virtual Desktop Handbook under Bandwidth Requirements.
Troubleshooting the HDX Graphics Modes
This has been an area of confusion for some and the recently released article CTX200370 is great at explaining several ways to find out the graphics mode. These methods however are all on a per session basis and when working with large customers I needed to get a bird’s eye view of their deployments to minimize troubleshooting time. What I would like to share today is a PowerShell script which does just that 😉 . The script queries a XenApp/XenDesktop 7.x site and summarizes HDX graphics modes information on all active sessions in the site in an easy to read CSV. This should help anyone troubleshooting graphics related issues across a site, especially issues related to the compatibility mode encoder. The report should look similar to the screenshot below.
An explanation of how to use the script and how to interpret the summary is provided in a readme within the script. It is available here via ShareFile. Enjoy :).
Thanks for reading,
Amit Ben-Chanoch
Worldwide Consulting
Desktop & Apps Team
Project Accelerator
Virtual Desktop Handbook
Follow @CTXConsulting
Disclaimer
The sample code is provided to you AS IS with no representations, warranties or conditions of any kind. You may use, modify and distribute it at your own risk. CITRIX DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, WRITTEN, ORAL OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you acknowledge and agree that (a) the sample code may exhibit errors, design flaws or other problems, possibly resulting in loss of data or damage to property; (b) it may not be possible to make the sample code fully functional; and (c) Citrix may, without notice or liability to you, cease to make available the current version and/or any future versions of the sample code. In no event should the code be used to support of ultra-hazardous activities, including but not limited to life support or blasting activities. NEITHER CITRIX NOR ITS AFFILIATES OR AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE, UNDER BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM USE OF THE SAMPLE CODE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Although the copyright in the code belongs to Citrix, any distribution of the code should include only your own standard copyright attribution, and not that of Citrix. You agree to indemnify and defend Citrix against any and all claims arising from your use, modification or distribution of the code.
